Liverpool Roundup: klopp’s signed Barcelona Best Midfieder who is PSG , MANCHESTER CITY AND NAPOLI target

Liverpool Roundup: klopp’s signed Barcelona Best Midfieder who is PSG , MANCHESTER CITY AND NAPOLI target

Szoboszlai& Mac Allister footage, snaps & what Reds teammates said
The demand for fresh transfers continues to underline many a supporter’s exploits on social media despite Liverpool’s recent acquisition of two midfielders in the form of Dominik Szoboszlai and Alexis Mac Allister.

The needs the Reds still have to meet are clear to all: one holding midfielder and a left-footed centre-half would be welcome third and fourth additions, if possible.

With ongoing transfer links fueling fans’ relentless searches on the web, it can be a simple matter for many to lose sight of what the club has already achieved.

The tangibility of our new midfield duo partaking in lactate tests and kicking a ball about in training should, hopefully, assuage the fears of those online that not enough is being done to make up for a disastrous 2022/23 campaign.

Judging by some of the comments already being made by the pair’s teammates, Liverpool have made a strong start to the summer window.

How are the new boys settling in?

Alexis Mac Allister appeared a little red-faced after completing the lactate test, whilst Dominik Szoboszlai had Trent Alexander-Arnold’s jaw on the floor with his first attempt.

But why don’t we let the photography/videos do all the talking, eh?

Settling in nicely 👌 pic.twitter.com/TbyzS6rZCb

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 12, 2023

Hear from @alemacallister after he completed his first day of pre-season 🔊 pic.twitter.com/damHVh0vVd

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 11, 2023

Lactate testing 🏃 pic.twitter.com/jbelGOfzLs

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 11, 2023

trent looking at szobo in disbelief LMAOOO pic.twitter.com/iXT47agkul

— f (@aIxndrarnId) July 11, 2023

Enjoy 6️⃣0️⃣ photos from our latest pre-season workout 📸

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 12, 2023

What has everyone been saying about Szoboszlai and Mac Allister?

Trent Alexander-Arnold: “[They’re] top players. I think it’s exciting for the club and exciting for the team.

“It is always exciting when we sign new players to see how they come in and how they adapt and what they’re like. I’m sure they already know, they can see from the outside we’re a welcoming side and a welcoming team.

“It’s a good dressing room. Come in, do your work and get results. That’s all we ask of players; it’s to buy into what we do and buy into the plan and be willing to work hard and sacrifice for the team.

“I’m sure the lads will do it and on top of that they’re two technically excellent players who can receive the ball and play with the ball. For players like me who enjoy passing the ball, they’re dream players ahead of me.”

Diogo Jota: “Yesterday, Dominik was one of the best in my group in terms of running, so they have that effort. I could see already today the quality Alexis has in possession.”

“I think they will improve the team and make us stronger – that’s the most important thing.

“We’ve been working on the track, a lot of running, and today back on the pitch – that’s what we like the most. It’s always nice to be back here with Liverpool and the lads.”

Neil Jones: “New boy Dominik Szoboszlai looks like he can run for days.”

“‘Bro, 20.2?!’ marvelled Alexander-Arnold after the Hungarian had seen off Luis Díaz and Cody Gakpo in his first fitness challenge on Merseyside. 20.2 is, I’m told, a serious score for a lactate test.

“In Szoboszlai, Liverpool look like they’ve bought a hell of an athlete, as well as a supremely-talented footballer.”

What’s up next?

Jurgen Klopp made clear that a repeat of last year’s poorly organised pre-season tour and preparation won’t be acceptable.

With that in mind, the schedule appears to have been designed to ensure that the German tactician is maximising the time he has available with his squad ahead of the next campaign.

Liverpool are set to enjoy a brief stay at the AXA training centre before travelling to Germany for a training camp where he will hope to not only prepare his side for the gruelling demands of Europa League football and beyond but also instil a sense of fresh camaraderie within a group hurt deeply by the failures of the prior campaign.

We’ll first take on Bundesliga 2 outfits Karlsruher SC and Greuther Furth in the first round of friendlies before travelling to Singapore for clashes against Leicester City and Bayern Munich.

Fans will get a chance to see both Mac Allister and Szoboszlai in action at Anfield on 8th August ahead against Darmstadt before the season proper kicks off with a Premier League trip to Stamford Bridge at the weekend.

footballfancast.com
Klopp eyeing Liverpool swoop for prolific teen phenom, he could be Salah’s true heir – opinion
The Reds are reportedly one of the clubs who are keen on a deal for the talented youngster.

An update has emerged on Liverpool and their plans to bolster their core of young prospects during the summer transfer window…

What’s the latest Liverpool transfer news?

According to Sky (via Spanish outlet Sport), Jurgen Klopp’s side are one of the teams eyeing up a swoop to sign Eintracht Frankfurt starlet Kebir Ali Canpolat ahead of the 2023/24 campaign.

The report claims that Chelsea, Inter Milan, Juventus, and Ajax are also in the race to land his signature, whilst LaLiga champions Barcelona are the latest team to throw their hat in the ring.

It states that the 16-year-old talent wants to leave the Bundesliga outfit over the coming months as he does not see a pathway through to the first team as it stands.

How many goals has Kebir Ali Canpolat scored?

The talented teen phenom has caught the eye of many top European clubs, including the Reds, after his impressive return of 11 goals in 14 U17 matches for Frankfurt last season.

Canpolat has plundered 12 goals and eight assists in 17 youth team appearances for the German side as a right winger, which has showcased his ability to make a significant impact at the top end of the pitch from a wide position.

He has also been able to translate his form over to the international stage. The exciting forward scored three goals in Turkey’s three U17 European Championship outings this summer.

These sensational statistics suggest that Canpolat is a winger with the potential to burst onto the scene as a prolific goalscoring wide attacker at first-team level, if he can handle the step up to playing professional football.

This means that the 16-year-old hotshot could be the true heir to Mohamed Salah’s position on the right wing at Anfield, as the Egypt international has been Klopp’s go-to man for goals over the years.

No player has found the back of the net for the German head coach more than the former Chelsea prospect, who has struck 186 times in 305 appearances under his management.

Salah topped the charts for Liverpool when it came to Premier League goals (19) and assists (12) last season across his 38 outings, which highlights how influential the 31-year-old ace is in the final third.

Canpolat scored a goal every 1.27 league matches for Frankfurt’s U17 team last season and this stacks up well against the current Reds star’s return of a league strike every 1.59 games (137 in 218).

Therefore, the Turkish youth international is a player with the potential to offer a similar level of goalscoring from the right wing if he can translate that form to senior football.

His return of eight league assists last term would also place him third among the Liverpool squad – only behind Trent Alexander-Arnold (nine) and Salah (12) – despite that coming from just 14 matches.

Of course, there is no guarantee that Canpolat will be able to replicate those numbers in a first-team environment but his immense form for Frankfurt suggests that as a 16-year-old prospect, this signing is a gamble worth taking for Klopp in the hope that it pays off and the club have their true heir to Salah as a goalscoring winger further down the line.

liverpoolecho.co.uk
Liverpool told Khephren Thuram’asking price’as Jordan Henderson gives’answer’on Saudi move
With the majority of Liverpool players back in pre-season training, the rumours continue to swirl of potential incomings and outgoings on Merseyside.

International players returned to the AXA Training Centre on Tuesday, including new signings Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai. Talks continue over whether any new faces that follow the midfield duo to the club in the same window, and what position will be prioritised.

On the one hand, there are strong suggestions the next will be Southampton’s Romeo Lavia or OGC Nice’s Khephren Thuram to complete a trio of midfield reinforcements, whilst on the other, speculation of a move for a defender next – namely Chelsea’s Levi Colwill, begins to intensify.

In recent days outgoings have also been questioned, particularly club captain Jordan Henderson. Reports have linked him with a move to join Al Ettifaq, the Saudi Pro League now managed by Steven Gerrard.

READ MORE: Liverpool have obvious position to fill as summer exit leaves glaring absence

READ MORE: ‘And the James Milner award goes to’ – New Liverpool lactate test champion crowned

Khephren Thuram

Liverpool still ‘retain an interest’ in OGC Nice midfielder Khephren Thuram, according to fresh reports today.

It had been stated on Tuesday by L’Equipe that Thuram would likely be staying at his current club. This was apparently down to the Reds turning their attentions elsewhere, Bayern Munich cooling their interest, and the player’s own desire to have the best chance possible of making into Didier Deschamps’ senior France squad for Euro 2024.

However, Foot Mercato countered this on Wednesday in a new report. The French publication reported that Liverpool and Bayern Munich still remain keen on signing Thuram this summer.

Nice would be willing to sell this summer, but only if the €50 million (£43m) asking price is matched. It was also said the 22-year-old would not force a transfer away from Ligue 1.

The article added that Jurgen Klopp’s former club Borussia Dortmund could also rival Liverpool, though consider the price tag too high.

Jordan Henderson

Former Liverpool captain Gerrard has seemingly been dealt a blow, as he was told that current captain Henderson will not be joining him at Saudi Pro League outfit Al Ettifaq.

Henderson’s future at Anfield had been questioned in recent days with his role potentially reduced following the club’s new midfield signings. It was also claimed that there had been exploratory talks as representatives of the Saudi club had approached Liverpool about the England international.

However, claims from broadcaster Ben Jacobs may have ended Gerrard’s hopes of a reunion, as he tweeted that Henderson will not make the move and remains committed to the Reds as his best route to a place in England’s Euro 2024 squad.

Levi Colwill

90min.com have made the latest claims in Levi Colwill’s transfer saga, stating that Liverpool are ‘confident’ and ‘ready to make an offer’.

The Under-21 European Champion’s situation is a tentative one, with rivals circling while Chelsea insist he is not for sale. His current deal at Stamford Bridge expires in 2025 but he is said to be ‘far from convinced that his long-term future is at Chelsea’.

New boss Mauricio Pochettino is also set to have talks with Colwill upon his return to the London club for pre-season.

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anfieldindex.com
How Will Jordan Henderson React to His New Role, if He Stays…
In any sporting venture, especially within a team-oriented enterprise, the peak years of production will always descend towards the final days of combat. It could be that a few players regress but are held up by the surrounding cast, or it could be (much like at Anfield) that a raft of assets have been held onto for too long. Any career can be shortened due to injury or lack of desire; however, the mentality and importance of an individual may see certain footballers evolve and adapt, thereby becoming something that can extend longevity. With this scenario requires an openness to change, which must then be embraced.

Under the Jürgen Klopp reign, the likes of James Milner and Roberto Firmino saw their respective starting roles reduced in line with their regression. With both players we saw an acceptance in their new realities before moving down the footballing pyramid to lesser clubs. On the flip side of that coin, we have also seen the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo unable to accept a lessening role at an elite football club, instead choosing to take the vast amounts of money on offer from a less competitive environment. In the curious case of Liverpool’s long-term captain, Jordan Henderson, it appears that he has rejected the increased wealth and lighter workload on offer in Saudi Arabia, with a mindset to reaffirm his commitment to his beloved German manager. I suspect the arrival of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have shown what lies ahead for the former Sunderland man, as Jörg Schmadtke continued to circle other first team targets. Adjustment is the only means of progression for our 33-year-old skipper, as he continues his path into athletic retirement.

I believe football is in major transition. Since the increased visualization of social media and the recent popularity of football in the Middle East, there has certainly created a new dynamic in the soccer sphere. I myself have struggled to navigate my way through this current transfer window, with fees now approaching the height of lunacy. As sportswashing, sanctions, and 115 charges create controversy, the long-term future of football appears in the balance. In much the same way that Golf and cricket have had to adapt to the new world, it does feel like a major shift is around the corner, as a raft of players start to flee European football for the Saudi Professional League.

As a man that is now well into his fourth decade of existence, I probably hold many ideologies and wants that do not always mesh with where we are headed. For instance, I have been utterly enthralled by the ongoing Ashes series and eagerly await the upcoming fourth test match at Old Trafford next week. With the long-term series in the balance, I have been delighted to see how something can still invigorate and prove its worth in this complicated world. Test cricket has always been a bedrock of English sport, with various incarnations of Twenty20 at times threatening the essence of the longer game. Though I have question marks over the physical capabilities of our LFC skipper, Jordan Henderson, I have been impressed by his desire to prove his critics wrong and snub the riches that were rumoured to have offered to him by Ettifaq FC, who are managed by his former captain, Steven Gerrard. That may of course change, yet for the moment it appears that the man in possession of the armband is intent on staying put.

🚨 NEW: Jordan Henderson is contemplating a move to Saudi Arabia to join Steven Gerrard’s Al-Ettifaq. [@_ChrisBascombe | Telegraph] pic.twitter.com/x9SxcWQVSt

— Watch LFC (@Watch_LFC) July 12, 2023

The entire playing and coaching staff of Liverpool Football Club were given a rude awakening last season, as the efforts and desire of a lethargic and overly successful group saw them outworked and outplayed on multiple occasions. This jolt and much needed reality check has seen positive movement in the transfer market unfold, with some good business very likely to still be carried out. The eternal loyalties that had been handed out by our former Borussia Dortmund manager may now have been sidestepped, with a renewed desire to get back to the Premier Leagues top table. I saw a change in our manager last season, one which was threatening to damage the reputation of his club and his own abilities. No matter how much this great man wants to keep those closest by his side, I now see a football coach that wants to start winning silverware again. With that and the transitional period we find ourselves, this shake-up must have awakened a few senior professionals that became too comfortable in their roles. Just recently we saw the efforts being put in by our 77-cap England veteran, as he prepares to battle the young crowd for a first team shirt.

You can see the caption below.

Skipper 💪 pic.twitter.com/gb32CK8j3x

— Liverpool FC (@LFC) July 11, 2023

The need to up one’s game is clearly something that has driven Jordan Henderson to take on a radical fitness regime. You could tell from the reaction of some of his teammates that this kind of physicality was a new thing for their skipper, which indicates his need to improve himself in readiness for preseason. I do think this loyal servant which has amassed an incredible 492 appearances for the Reds will stay, though in the knowledge that his previously exclusive position in the first team is now not guaranteed. A fighting comeback and some impactful performances from the bench and in the Europa League may well be forthcoming, I just hope Jürgen Klopp’s most trusted leader is ready to evolve and become what this squad of players needs him to be.

If he stays at Anfield that is…

rousingthekop.com
Report: Gareth Southgate set to have really important conversation with ‘outstanding’ Liverpool player
England manager Gareth Southgate is likely to discuss Jordan Henderson’s potential exit from Liverpool with the player himself.

Shock news from last night puts Henderson on the verge of leaving the Reds after 12 years at the club. An eye-watering offer from Saudi Arabia looks set to rob Liverpool of their captain.

But the deal isn’t done just yet. And according to The Daily Mail, Henderson will weigh up the effect leaving Anfield for a footballing backwater could have on his international career.

Photo by Eddie Keogh – The FA/The FA via Getty Images

The 33-year-old is said to ‘greatly respect’ England boss Southgate. As a result, it’s claimed it be ‘unfeasible’ that the two men wouldn’t discuss the implications of Henderson leaving for the Middle East.

What exactly it could mean for the Liverpool captain’s international career is reportedly ‘unclear.’ However, the suggestion is that whatever Southgate says is likely to have a big influence on Henderson’s decision.

Henderson set for Southgate talks

One of the key reasons this Henderson situation is so bizarre is because of what leaving could do to his England chances.

Already 33, the former Sunderland man had started to be edged out prior to last year’s World Cup. But during the tournament in Qatar, Henderson reasserted his importance to Southgate.

Since then, the Reds skipper has continued to be a big part of the Three Lions squad. Just as it is at Liverpool, his guiding hand over youngsters like Jude Bellingham is seen as being crucial.

Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images

The veteran has already suggested that he intends to stick around as far into the future as the 2026 World Cup. And in fairness to him, if he stays at the top, then why not? As Jurgen Klopp once said via The Daily Mail, Henderson is and has been an ‘outstanding’ player.

But heading off for a pay-day in the Middle East would change all of that. A man of publicly scrupulous morals, it’s hard to see Southgate putting up with the circus going on in Saudi Arabia. He also has plenty of other options to choose from who are all playing at a much higher level.

Curtis Jones, for example, is just one of the players who look ready to make a push for the Euro 2024 squad next summer.

Knowing the stock Henderson puts in playing for England, it’s not out of the question that Southgate can convince him not to go. But at this point, it looks like Jordan’s mind is made up.

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90min.com
Jordan Henderson considering Steven Gerrard reunion at Al Ettifaq
Jordan Henderson is considering an approach from Saudi Arabian side Al Ettifaq over a move away from Liverpool this summer, 90min understands.

Al Ettifaq have recently unveiled Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard as their new manager and the boss is now working to try and bolster his new squad to keep up with the wave of aggressive recruitment from across the Saudi Pro League.

Gerrard is pushing to convince Henderson to make the move to Al Ettifaq and club officials have laid out their proposal for the 33-year-old Liverpool captain, who is understood to be considering the offer on the table.

90min understands that Henderson has not yet ruled out a move to Al Ettifaq and Liverpool are giving the midfielder time to make a decision.

Reds manager Jurgen Klopp has, however, made it clear to Henderson that he does not want to part ways with the England international and he remains a big part of his plans.

READ MORE FROM THE 90MIN TALKING TRANSFERS TEAM

Should Henderson decide to accept Al Ettifaq’s offer, 90min understands Liverpool will not stand in his way and will enter into negotiations with the Saudi side to try and thrash out a deal.

Henderson still has two years remaining on the four-year contract he signed back in 2021 and so an agreement would have to be reached over a transfer fee if he is to leave Liverpool this summer.

His 12 years at Anfield have yielded 492 appearances in all competitions, with Henderson wearing the captain’s armband in Liverpool’s famous Champions League and Premier League triumphs in 2019 and 2020 respectively.

However, Henderson saw his role in the first team limited last season, making just 23 starts in the Premier League, and the summer arrivals of Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai have only added to the competition for minutes in Klopp’s midfield.

LISTEN NOW TO 90MIN’S TALKING TRANSFERS PODCAST

On this week’s edition of Talking Transfers, part of the 90min podcast network, Scott Saunders is joined by Toby Cudworth and Graeme Bailey to discuss Tottenham rejecting a second bid for Harry Kane, Manchester United’s business, Romelu Lukaku’s Chelsea future, Paul Pogba being PIF’s number one target for the Saudi Pro League & more!

If you can’t see this embed, click here to listen to the podcast!